At the entrance of the Punishment Court, someone saw from afar that two people were returning and heading this way. They turned and ran inside, shouting loudly, "Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang are back, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang are back…"

People of various heights and builds immediately ran out from each house. A portly man, Pang Tiansheng, came out to scold them, "What are you blabbering about?"

The person who brought the news reiterated, "Master Pang, Master Chun and Master Wu have returned."

There was no helping it, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang held quite high rankings at Wukang Mountain. Both were disciples of Elder Ke and were of the same generation as Pang Tiansheng.

Pang Tiansheng said, "Everyone knows they are back. What's all the fuss about?"

The informant replied, "No, they are heading this way, towards our Punishment Court."

Pang Tiansheng rebuked, "Nonsense! They..."

Before he could finish his sentence, his gaze towards the main gate froze. He saw Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang enter confidently; Wu Jinliang's large saber was particularly conspicuous.

Wu Jinliang's large saber was something the people of Punishment Court had never seen before, as he had left his weapons at the inn when he was captured last time.

The sight of the saber sent chills down Pang Tiansheng's spine; it was frightening to behold.

Last time, when they were beaten by these two, their strength was still shallow. But this time, it was said that both had broken through to the High Martial Realm, and they had even brought weapons. If a fight were to break out, wouldn't they beat him to death?

Their style of suddenly erupting into a fight was unpredictable, and Pang Tiansheng had a vivid memory of it.

He somewhat didn't understand; the pair had accomplished great feats, so why would they come here?

And to stay here? Impossible.

To reminisce? They shouldn't have any good impressions of the Punishment Court, should they?

He thought of the only possibility, which was that they had come to settle accounts with him, and his legs turned a bit weak.

"Master Chun, Master Wu."

"Master Wu, Master Chun."

"Junior Brother Chun, Junior Brother Wu..."

There were also people of the same rank, and smiles that were once unseen now burst forth towards the duo who returned with honors.

Admiring and envious smiles emerged. In their view, the events that unfolded were like legendary stories they could only dream of: defeating all heroes one day and returning as heroes, earning respect and admiration from the entire sect.

That self-indulgent fantasy scene had been turned into reality by two people who were seemingly less capable than them.

Apart from admiration, they also respected their courage to act out such a legendary story.

To decide a life-and-death battle with the top elites of the Su Yuan Sect and to play thousands of Xuan State troops in circles—those who were stuck in a cycle of normal days could hardly imagine such individuals could exist among them.

The story that should occur among the brilliant prodigies of the vast Cultivation World, how could it happen to someone among us?

But it had indeed happened, right before their eyes.

Seeing everyone after a long time, Shi Chun and the pair also smiled. Their gaze swept across the crowd, immediately noticing the visibly plump Pang Tiansheng forcing a smile, the square-faced Zou Xingbao, the horse-faced Duan You, and many other familiar faces from before.

Thud! Wu Jinliang's heavy saber struck the ground, "Are we staying in our original rooms? Haven't they been occupied?"

The crowd looked at each other.

No one answered for a while, so Wu Jinliang demanded, "Brother Pang, what's the meaning of this? I'm asking you, which room are we staying in?"

Pang Tiansheng felt truly unable to move his feet and braced himself to ask, "Are you still staying here?"

Wu Jinliang replied, "If not here, then where?"

Alright then, Pang Tiansheng turned his head and ordered, "The heroes of Wukang Mountain have returned! Aren't you going to clear my room for them?"

Both Shi Chun and his partner were taken aback but could also understand it.

The scene immediately bustled with activity, and in no time, they had tidied up the best room.

Shi Chun and his partner didn't hesitate; they were entitled to the best room in the Punishment Court. What was there to question?

After they moved in, a group of fellow disciples immediately gathered around them, urging them to tell stories from the Sky Rain Meteor Conference.

Wu Jinliang, who was good at boasting, slapped his thigh and began to speak, vowing to leave a long-lasting legendary story for Wukang Mountain.

Pang Tiansheng had no interest in listening. After settling the two men who made his heart tremble, he immediately ran to find the Sect Master.

When he arrived, he couldn't meet with him right away. Bian Jixiong and others, upon returning, were discussing the situation with the sect's high-level officials right away, making them aware of the incident and discussing the next steps.

There was no choice, as the threat secretly issued by the great elder Wu Handong of Jieyun Mountain still rang in his ears; how could they take it lightly? They were not Shi Chun and his companion.

Inside the conference hall, the mood among a group of elders was heavy; those cheering for first place were the disciples who didn't need to worry about the future of the sect.

Now, there wasn't even a desire to pursue Bian Weiyin's disobedience; it wasn't appropriate to make accusations openly anymore. After returning as heroes who had achieved great things for the sect, on what grounds could they be blamed?

Privately, while still in the capital, Bian Jixiong had already severely scolded Bian Weiyin, even losing control and slapping him in the face in response to Bian Weiyin's aggressive justifications.

Even Yin Huixin did not defend him and scolded her daughter for being foolish.

Bian Weiyin had not mentioned this to Shi Chun and the others.

After a lengthy discussion had finally ended, it was approaching evening.

Seeing his master leaving, Pang Tiansheng immediately followed, incessantly nagging like a parasite, "Master, is it really appropriate to let Shi Chun and the others stay in my Punishment Court any longer?"

Hearing this, Bian Jixiong paused his steps. Previously full of concern, he was reminded by the remark about this trivial matter. After reconsidering, he realized he didn't know which department was suitable to place Shi Chun and the others.

That would not be an authentic disciple of Wukang Mountain, in places related to the internal affairs and secrets of Wukang Mountain, it would be inappropriate to involve the two of them.

Thinking it over, he asked, "Do they have any complaints about staying in the Punishment Court?"

Pang Tiansheng answered, "So far, I haven't heard any complaints, but master, they have issues with me, they hold a grudge against me, staying in the Punishment Court could lead to trouble!"

"What trouble could possibly occur?" Bian Jixiong resumed walking, saying dismissively, "You're thinking too much, let them stay there for now."

Pang Tiansheng grew anxious, pursuing him relentlessly, "Master, I heard they even dared to kill people in front of the Royal Court's men. What more in the Punishment Court..."

Bian Jixiong curtly interrupted, "Enough, just avoid them."

There are more pressing matters to deal with, no time to waste on this triviality with him.

Pang Tiansheng stopped in place, speechlessly stunned, and after a long while, he turned around with drooping spirits, dragging his heavy steps back.

Along the way, someone stopped him again, "Uncle Pang, where were you going? I've been looking all over for you. Uncle Bian Weiyin is looking for you; he wants you to come over."

Alright, Pang Tiansheng turned towards Bian Weiyin again.

Bian Weiyin didn't bother with pleasantries and directly ordered, "Brother Pang, I heard Shi Chun and the others are still in your Punishment Court. Starting tomorrow, let's return to the usual routine and have them carry water to my place."

"Ah, have them carry water?" Pang Tiansheng jumped, hurriedly gesturing, "No, no, they are now honored heroes, merely staying temporarily in the Punishment Court. How can we have them do mundane tasks? If I propose this, they might kill me. Besides, Sister, I am in a dangerous position right now, you can't just watch me perish..."

He rapidly expressed his concerns.

Seeing how useless Pang Tiansheng was, Bian Weiyin decided to use him as an excuse and personally made a trip to the Punishment Court to help this hefty brother out.

Owing him a favor, Shi Chun naturally agreed not to hit Pang Tiansheng anymore.

But some favors can't be granted, and he absolutely refused the idea of performing menial tasks like carrying water.

Shi Chun was well aware of what this woman liked to do when no one was around. This wasn't about carrying water; it was clearly meant to make them suffer. He disliked being constantly tested...

If Pang Tiansheng dared let them do menial tasks again, he would still hit him without hesitation.

Bian Weiyin gave him an irritated glance before leaving, thinking about making a set of mother and son charms later to give Shi Chun one for easier contact.

In the forbidden lands of the sect, a white-robed old man was meditating cross-legged, appearing like a stone sculpture; he was the former Sect Master, Bian Que.

Not far behind him, Bian Jixiong was sitting on his knees, reporting the relevant matters, then sighing, "What should we do now? It's not good to kill them outright, and Jieyun Mountain could attack at any time."

White-robed Bian Que said, "Judging from the results of the Sky Rain Meteor Conference, it's overwhelmingly aberrant. I don't believe such results could happen without intervention from the Demon Path. It seems the Demon Path is more audacious than we thought, daring to flaunt themselves to such an extent.

We didn't act against them previously because we wanted to expose the spy hiding in the mountain, the person Shi Chun is looking for. To this day, we have no clue as the spy has hidden too deeply.

Now that things have come to this point, keeping Weikang locked up indefinitely isn't feasible; he is the future of the Bian family and Wukang Mountain. We can't ruin his future.

Let's take action. Once we capture Shi Chun and the others, let's see if we can pry open his mouth to expose the spy. We aim to eradicate all these treacherous elements from the Demon Path!"

Bian Jixiong expressed his concern, "These demons might not be as simple as just a few individuals on the surface. If there's a powerful force behind them, relying solely on Wukang Mountain might be overwhelming. Father, we should prepare more thoroughly."

White-robed Bian Que acknowledged, "With just Wukang Mountain's strength alone, how dare we oppose the Demon Path? Naturally, I plan to involve the Royal Court. Once the Royal Court intervenes, it will strike like thunder, leaving Jieyun Mountain no courage to make reckless moves, feared to be mistaken as accomplices of the Demon Path. Nobody could protect them."

Bian Jixiong's eyes brightened, "Father, that's brilliant. With this, our predicament is easily resolved, and we no longer need to explain ourselves to those offended powers."

The clouds that lingered in his heart lately finally dispersed, and his mood dramatically improved.

Deep into the night, those who had been entwining Shi Chun and the others for stories finally dispersed, each returning to their rooms to rest.

Wu Jinliang stood under the eaves looking at the night sky, then hopped onto the rooftop to view the dazzling lights of Wukang Mountain, his face showing deep and concentrated thought.

After returning to his room and closing the door, seeing Shi Chun poised to meditate, Wu Jinliang sat down beside him, whispering, "Chun Tian, why did we even come back here? This place won't provide us with cultivation resources or any benefits.

In the capital, with Young Master Nan's support, we should have pressured Bian Jixiong to let us leave the sect. If Wukang Mountain insists on keeping us here, can we betray our sect? That's a major taboo in the Cultivation World; no power would condone such actions."

Shi Chun reassured, "Don't worry. If I want to leave, I can do so anytime now. Before leaving, I want to take what I can; I won't leave empty-handed."

Wu Jinliang asked, puzzled, "What, still thinking about the immobilization charm refining secret method? Isn't that useless without Wukang Mountain?"

Shi Chun replied, "Have you forgotten how I had my cultivation breakthrough? There might be an even bigger fish hidden here. How can I be content without confirming it first?"

Wu Jinliang suddenly understood his intention.

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